Black genealogy group salutes 30th anniversary

LOS ANGELES – Nationally renowned genealogist Kenyatta Berry, co-host of the popular PBS program “Genealogy Roadshow,” will speak to a group of family researchers this weekend during the California African American Genealogical Society’s 30th anniversary conference March 17-19 at the Radisson Hotel, 3540 S. Figueroa St.

Berry, past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists, will speak at 2:45 p.m. March 19 about the changing face of genealogy in America and throughout the world, organizers say.

The conference — entitled “African American History Is America’s History: Reaching In, Reaching Out” — also will host plenary and break-out sessions designed for family history and/or genealogy researchers at all levels, organizers say.

It also will address research techniques, the importance of DNA testing, black culture and celebrations, special populations and relationships, diversity within the black diaspora and African American history in California, organizers say.

Special activities include a black history tour of Los Angeles, a Los Angeles Cemetery Tour and a two-act play called “1940s at Club Sweet Lorraines,” celebrating the lives of Dorothy Dandridge, Julie Andrews, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan.

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